How Often Should I Rotate My Tires

Getting your driver's license for the first time is exciting, whether you're 16 years old or 30. It's also a bit scary. Here are five tips for new drivers about to embark on the road alone for the first time. These tips will keep you safe and less nervous about the new driving adventures that await. Avoid High Risk Situations There are some situations that are more high risk than others. For instance, driving during a thunderstorm or at night is much more dangerous than driving in dry weather in the light. Plan your first solo drives during ideal weather conditions and time of day to improve your sense of confidence before you go out on your own. There's no reason to make it more difficult or daunting than it needs to be. more Practice Driving Before you head out on the road for the first time, practice driving around an empty parking lot, with a driving teacher, or with a friend or family member. If there are certain aspects of driving that you don't completely feel comfortable with, it's okay to spend extra time practicing. For instance, if you don't feel comfortable parallel parking, it's much better to practice parallel parking around your home rather than downtown where you might hit other cars. Avoid Rush Hour Traffic Rush hour traffic can be difficult for even the most experienced of drivers. There are more drivers on the road and more instances of road rage. When you go for your first drive, plan it for a low traffic time where you won't feel pressured or stressed out because of the traffic conditions. During the day when everyone's at work or early on a weekend morning is typically great times for reduced traffic levels. Take it Slow While driving on your own can be exciting, it's a good idea to spread out the fun. Your first drives should be short and to places near you that you're comfortable traveling to. You don't want to worry about how to get to places in a new city, even with a GPS, during your first few drives. After a year of driving or so, you'll feel more than confident traveling to new places. For now, just focus on driving where you'll feel the most relaxed. Learn Cardinal Directions For all new drivers, it's important to learn where North, South, East, and West are relative to where you're driving. Memorize the names of the city or town nearest to you in each of these directions. Also, if you live where there are other landmarks, such as a beach coast, memorize its location, too. That way, whenever you're out, you'll know you've gone too far if you see one of these places on a nearby road sign. Congratulations for taking the first step toward a long and rewarding lifetime of driving. It's a great skill to have. By using these tips, staying safe, and taking your time, you'll be able to travel virtually anywhere in your car. https://www.flickr.com/photos/sundazed/2936063407/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Katy Warner

Driving on a highway can be intimidating, particularly, if you're only used to driving on city or small neighborhood streets. There are more cars traveling at even higher speeds. This can lead to more serious car accidents. Use these tips to stay safe while driving on the highway. Stay on the Right If you're uncomfortable speeding with other cars on the highway, it's okay to stay in the slow lane on the right. Just make sure that you're driving the speed limit and don't impede traffic by going too slow. If you don't feel comfortable driving the posted speed limits (or speed minimums) on the highway, it might be a good idea to drive an alternative route that skips the highway all together. more Take Turns If you need to merge, let the other car go and then go after them. Take turns with other drivers on the road whenever possible. If there seems to be traffic ahead, avoid honking your horn. Cars usually slow down for a reason, there might be a car accident or a disabled car off to the side of the road. Be patient and eventually the traffic will clear up. There's no reason to frustrate yourself or to develop road rage toward the other drivers. They're in the same situation that you are. Avoid Highway Traffic There are certain times of the day when there's a higher chance of encountering highway traffic. For instance, rush hour getting to and from work can be a predictable source of traffic. If at all possible, try to avoid driving on the highway during this time. Even leaving thirty minutes before or after these times can help you stay safer on the highway just due to the fewer number of cars on the road. Turn Off Distractions Driving with your cell phone is extremely dangerous. Some automotive manufacturers have even toyed with the idea that cell phones would become non-operational when the car is set to drive. Do what you can to not use your cell phone while driving. Even a few seconds to check out a text message or an email is long enough to put you and the other drivers on the highway in danger. If you have to use your cell phone, pull over to a safe place and use it. Use Your Mirrors When driving on the highway, it is especially important to use your rear view and side mirrors before switching into a lane. Because of the higher density of cars on the road, the fast speeds, and the poor driving habits of others, it's critical to make sure that it's safe to merge or switch into a different lane before you do. Using your mirrors is a great way to ensure that it's safe to go. Driving on highways is a great way to save time and to travel anywhere you want to go. Many of the major highways systems in the United States even have rest stops you can use along the way. Use these tips to make your highway travels even safer. https://www.flickr.com/photos/primejunta/83753072/sizes/o/ Image via Flickr by Petteri Sulonen

Bluetooth is a great connectivity technology that can let you play music or make hands-free phone calls using compatible devices. However, if you have an older Toyota you likely don't have this technology in your car. Luckily, there are several speaker options you can use to get some of these great benefits of Bluetooth connectivity. 1. Anker SoundSync Drive If you have an auxiliary input jack in your vehicle you can use the Anker SoundSync Drive. To install, simply attach the speaker to your dashboard using the adhesive backing, plug it into the auxiliary jack, press the large button in the center to turn it on, and pair it with your device. You can use the Anker SoundSync Drive to play music or make hands-free phone calls. The speaker uses special noise and echo cancellation technology to offer excellent sound quality, even if you have the windows down. more 2. iClever Himbox HB01 When you need to connect multiple devices to the same Bluetooth speaker, such as two different phones, the iClever Himbox HB01 can handle that. This Bluetooth speaker comes with a charger that plugs into a DC outlet, like a cigarette lighter, and connects to your vehicle's speakers using the auxiliary input jack. When a call comes in, simply press the large round button and enjoy clear audio quality. 3. Parrot MINIKIT Neo For a simple Bluetooth device that can help you make hands-free phone calls, the Parrot MINIKIT Neo is for you. This speaker is small enough to clip on your sun visor and stay out of your way. Yet the speaker is powerful enough to offer clear audio and hours of battery life. Additionally, the Parrot MINIKIT Neo responds to voice control commands meaning you can make and receive calls without even touching the speaker. 4. Parrot CK3100 When you need something that's slightly more advanced, the Parrot CK3100 connects right into your vehicle's audio system for superior sound quality. When a call comes in, the name and number of the caller shows up on the LCD screen. You can easily accept or reject the call with a single press of a button, and voice recognition technology lets you control the speaker using simple commands. Plus, the Parrot CK3100 automatically mutes your music when a call comes in and starts it up again when the call is over. 5. GoGroove FlexSmart X2 If your car doesn't have an auxiliary input jack but you still want Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio, consider the GoGroove FlexSmart X2. This device will work in any car that has an FM radio and a DC outlet. Simply plug it in and pair it with your Bluetooth compatible device for wireless calling and music. If music is playing when a call comes in, it will fade out so you can take the call. The LED display is easy to read and lets you take calls and control your music without hassle. Even if you have an older vehicle you can still enjoy Bluetooth technology features with one of these top speaker options. https://www.flickr.com/photos/janitors/14490542230/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Janitors